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Optional Reinforced Lower Tube Assembly
The
DXE-RLT
- Reinforced Lower Tube Assembly for the Hustler
®
4-BTV, 5-BTV or
6-BTV Vertical Antenna is a custom made aluminum, sleeved, double wall, tube
assembly that replaces the first six foot aluminum section of the Hustler BTV Series
antenna. The reinforced tube assembly adds strength to the overall antenna which will
help with wind survivability.
Why replace the existing lower section? Why not just slip another tube over my existing
tube? Any Hustler BTV antenna may have some slight bend in the lower first 6 foot
section of the antenna. The tight tolerances between DX Engineering sizes of aluminum
tubing are such, that even a slight bend in one of the tubes may be enough to prevent
close tolerance tubes to be sleeved over each other. The ready-to-use
DXE-RLT
solves
that issue. Additionally, this double wall assembly is pop-riveted in place making the
new tube assembly easy to install.
The use of
JTL-12555
Jet-Lube
™
SS-30 Pure Copper Ant-Seize is recommended to be
used between all aluminum antenna sections to help ensure complete RF connections
and to help keep out any moisture.
Using a felt tip pen (or equivalent) draw marks on the 10 meter trap and the base
assembly where the existing first 6 foot section ends.
Loosen the band clamps and remove the existing first (bottom) 6 foot section of the
BTV antenna and replace it with the
DXE-RLT
Reinforced Lower Tube Assembly
as shown in the picture to the right. The reinforced tube (shorter tube) is toward the
bottom of the antenna.
Align the marks you made earlier on the 10 meter trap and base section from the
previous lower tube position with the new tube assembly and tighten both upper
and lower element clamps. There is no re-tuning required and your antenna should
have the same performance prior to replacing this lower 6 foot section.
As with all vertical ground mount antennas, it is still recommended that the antenna is
guyed. Especially in areas subject to high gusts, sustained wind areas, ice and other
extreme weather conditions.
